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Read this article, to become outraged, perhaps, at the WV school district that would continue to use a school built on wetlands that floods regularly. Bravo to the state of West Virginia for not handing this district money to waste on remodeling. We say, "Bulldoze it and rebuild in a safe place!"
Charlston, West Virginia
Gilmer won’t get SBA funds until mold controlled
http://sundaygazettemail.com/section/News/200712037
County seeks $617,253 to refurbish 87-year-old Normantown Elementary School
By Davin White
Staff writer
Gilmer County educators must first find ways to lessen the effects of mold damage and fix several fire code violations if they want $617,000 in state money to renovate Normantown Elementary School, much of which is closed to students.
Gilmer Superintendent Ed Toman, members of the Gilmer County school board and parents met with state Fire Marshal Sterling Lewis, state School Building Authority officials and others Monday morning.
Mark Manchin, director of the School Building Authority, said he wants a detailed plan from the Gilmer County school board that addresses how they would fight mold growth if water seeps back into the 87-year-old school.
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Up to 72 hours after flooding, Manchin wants to know what materials would be used and who would be contacted to reduce the risk of mold growth.
The school’s bottom level flooded three times in the past 2 1/2 years, causing mold-covered rooms, a soggy floor and air unfit for children to breathe.
Students still have class on the Normantown campus, but only inside annex buildings, modulars and a connected gymnasium. The main building is closed.
Manchin said the Gilmer board members also must tackle several fire code violations. Lewis said they need to consider windows, handrails and steps at Normantown, as well as the building’s structural integrity. Some of the school’s floors rise or sag three inches off center, he said.
Manchin said the $617,253 proposal calls for rebuilding the entire base of the main building, filling in a crawlspace with concrete and the complete renovation of the first floor.
Toman requested $500,000 from the SBA in January, hoping to renovate the school. Authority members denied the request in March.
Toman did not return a phone message Monday afternoon.
School systems in West Virginia have requested about $254 million from the SBA, five times what is available, Manchin said.
SBA members decided not to award projects until after the Legislature ends its regular session in March. Manchin also wants to see if lawmakers allow the SBA to sell millions of dollars in bonds to help fund more projects.
To contact staff writer Davin White, use e-mail or call 348-1254.
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